What does it take to build an extraordinary resume? Many experts might point to the presentation, order, and details included in written form. However, there is far more that goes into building a great resume than what’s written on paper. As a potential employee, you are a potential asset to a company. When an employer reviews your resume, they are trying to determine how much value you can add to their organization. Therefore, before an eye-catching resume can be constructed, you must first possess the skills, talents and qualities needed to prove that you are an asset worth acquiring.

But, what if you are new to the market and haven’t acquired any work history? What if you’ve already been in the market for some time and the skills you have acquired are not enough to get the job you desire? What if you are changing careers and need to acquire the skills required to work in your new profession? The first step to building a resume that will open doors to the many opportunities available for you to pursue, is “branding yourself”.

What exactly is branding yourself? I would liken branding yourself to a company branding a major product. First there is the research and development process; then there is the branding and marketing process. In branding a product, careful attention is given to every attribute that would instantly capture the consumer’s attention, from the quality of the product to how it is packaged and marketed. The same goes for branding yourself. The goal in branding yourself is to create, in you, a candidate who instantly captures the attention of a hiring manager. Here are some steps you can take to build your personal brand:

Self-assess

It can be very difficult to market yourself if you cannot define who you are professionally. In building your brand, take some time to dig deep within and learn more about yourself. What are your strengths…weaknesses? What is your passion? What are your limits (as a mom, you may have some to consider)? In what areas do you excel?

As you learn more about yourself, take notes. If you are currently working, keep a journal of what you like and don’t like about your current position. Observe others who are in positions in which you aspire to be – from how they dress, to how they think and solve problems. This is especially important if the position you are aspiring to be in requires high-level analytical skills.

Find Your Niche

From your self-assessment, determine the areas in which you excel. Define yourself based on your passion, limits and strengths. Go even further to find ways to stand out from other candidates who would be competing with you for the same role.

Research the Market

Once you have found the career that is right for you, research the market to see what opportunities are available in that field. Determine your current and potential worth in your field of choice. One way to do this is by researching salary ranges based on education and experience.

Build Your Knowledge and Expertise

If the career you are interested in requires a specific degree, consider going to school to acquire it. Certain careers also require certifications to work in that field. Find out what is required to become certified. Going back to school can be difficult when you have kids and are working full-time. However, many colleges are now offering distance learning programs that would make accomplishing this goal a lot easier.

Build Your Image

Here is a step that some experts may not place much emphasis on in brand building. However, to me, it is one of the most important. Building your image is like packaging a product. You must look the part. Outside of your resume, your appearance is the first thing that an employer will see when you walk into the office for an interview. Hiring managers can quickly develop their own perception of you the moment you walk through that door. Therefore, in packaging yourself, you want to make sure that the image they see, matches the brand you are attempting to build.

Market Your Brand

Here is where your resume comes into play. Even if you have all the work history and qualifications an employer desires, this could be meaningless if you do not properly market yourself. Your resume should represent your brand. Constructing your resume takes as much time and consideration as it does to build your brand.  Therefore, research resume writing tips and have your resume reviewed by a professional peer or resume writing service. 

There is a lot that goes into branding yourself.  The key in understanding its importance to building your career.  You are a walking advertisement for yourself and your career. 

So, how appealing is your package?

Build Your Brand

3 Steps to Build Your Personal Brand

Building Your Personal Brand: Tactics for Successful Career Branding

 Get more advice on career development at www.careermommies.com